Growth in Colorado labor force largest in a decade

According
to a report by the CDLE, the
number of
Coloradoans participating in the
labor force
increased 141,700
over the year. This marks the largest
year-over-year increase in the history of the report
series and the fastest rate of growth since 1998.

The biggest gains were in Construction (8,600),
Professional & Business Services (15,600), and Leisure & Hospitality
(8,700).
Jobs in all industries added
up to a 2.0
percent growth
rate, which has Colorado
outpacing the national growth rate
(1.4 percent) – a feat our state’s accomplished for
the past seven years.

According
to the CDLE data, the monthly gain of 5,100
jobs in December was higher than the states 12-month average gain of 3,817
jobs. The gains also outpaced the previous four months when the average
measured 4,800 jobs.

The
economy is strong and additional job growth is expected in 2018, although at a
more muted pace. ​